King Eli: The LeBron James of Football

Usually when Damon “Snacks” Harrison sparks a conversation, it’s usually in reference to his relentless victimizing of opposing quarterbacks. However, when Harrison made an appearance on Monday morning’s edition of Good Morning Football, the only discussion started was about his quarterback: the Giants’ own Eli Manning.

When asked about how he felt about his teammate Manning being omitted from the NFL Network’s Top 100 Players of 2017 list, Harrison had this to say:

“When you look at Eli, it’s kind of like when you look at LeBron. I’m not saying they’re the same, but look at Eli’s numbers. Any other quarterback would have those numbers, it would be an amazing year. But it being Eli, nobody’s respecting it as much as we do Lebron. LeBron could average 30 [points], 15 rebounds, and 12 assists and it’s like he didn’t do enough. So I don’t know what’s the deal.”

Is Snacks right? Could Eli Manning possibly be the Unsung King of the Gridiron? Here to play devil’s advocate is yours truly.

Manning is also undefeated in the Super Bowl, and both his Super Bowl wins came at the expense of aforementioned Tom Brady.

Manning is eighth on the career yardage list, and seventh on the career touchdown list. He’s third on both respected list in regards to active players (only Brees and Brady have him bested to date.) Needless to say, Eli Manning has put together a resume that only a fortunate few can contend with.

AGAINST:Are you kidding me? Eli Manning is the LeBron of football? Maybe Peyton Manning is, but not Eli. The comparison in itself is completely asinine. LeBron has three championships to Eli’s two rings. And that’s about where the similarities end.

LeBron has been to four Finals in a row. Eli has only been to two Super Bowls period. LeBron’s talent may not have translated well into the postseason, but he’s still taking names and dunking balls on a game in and game out basis.

King James has also been to every single All-Star game since 2005. That’s 13 for those of you keeping score at home. Eli? Just four Pro Bowls. Tom Brady dwarfs that number with 12.

LeBron has also been fifth or better in the NBA points per game category, save one: this past season when he dropped to eighth. Manning has cracked the top five in yardage three times in the last 13, peaking at fourth on that list. The Giants quarterback has some great numbers. Don’t get me wrong. But they’re not solid enough to solicit such a comparison.

MY HUMBLE OPINION: I get what Snacks was going for with his comment: Eli’s success on the field often does not get the credit it deserves. However, I’m certain that the list is a reflection of the current season in which it is completed. And last season wasn’t exactly Eli’s finest hour.

One final thought. LeBron has been regarded by some as possibly being the greatest player to ever play his respected sport. I believe Eli definitely goes overlooked and underestimated. After all, someone has to throw the ball in order for OBJ to catch the ball.

But answer me this: When has Eli Manning ever been mentioned in a conversation of that caliber? I’m willing to bet hardly ever.